Throughout NBA history, star-studded trios have graced the basketball court, but the “Big 3” era was truly propelled into the limelight by LeBron James in 2010. The iconic moment when James decided to team up with fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh on the Miami Heat marked the birth of a lethal trio that went on to conquer four consecutive NBA Finals, securing two championship titles.
Another historic “Big 3” lineup that left a lasting legacy was the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s. This formidable team saw the enigmatic Dennis Rodman joining forces with his former rivals, the legendary Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The Bulls’ dominance was unparalleled, achieving an impressive record of 72 wins in 1996 and clinching three consecutive NBA titles.
Recently, when questioned about which “Big 3” would emerge victorious in an imaginary showdown, Dennis Rodman did not hesitate to declare that his Bulls would undoubtedly reign supreme. In fact, the controversial forward boldly stated that the contest wouldn’t even be close.
According to Rodman, the Heat may have possessed a wealth of talent with LeBron, Wade, and Bosh leading the offensive charge. However, the Bulls held the advantage in defensive prowess and overall experience, making them an unstoppable force.
“We might not have the same level of talent as the Heat, but we had smarter players, and that’s what sets us apart. When pitted against the Heat, it would be a breeze,” Rodman confidently asserted.
The Bulls’ claim to fame wasn’t merely reliant on the incredible talents of Michael Jordan, for their suffocating defense was equally remarkable. Jordan, Pippen, and Ron Harper were all ferocious defenders, and Rodman, the lynchpin of the defense, was an impenetrable wall, shutting down opponents with ease.
“Taking Bosh out of the equation would be a piece of cake for us,” Rodman added, showcasing the Bulls’ defensive prowess. “And matching up Wade with Pippen? Come on, that’s a no-brainer. Scottie Pippen could effortlessly guard LeBron. As for Michael Jordan, how could anyone hope to contain those two formidable forces?”
Dennis Rodman also highlighted the significant changes in the modern NBA, where the rules have shifted in favor of offensive play. He firmly believed that if Michael Jordan were to play at the age of 28 in today’s game, he would undoubtedly average an astounding 40 points per game, if not more.
“The game has evolved significantly. If Michael were to play in today’s NBA at his prime, he’d be an unstoppable force, averaging 40 points per game easily,” Rodman emphasized.
Putting aside any personal bias, one cannot deny the sheer dominance and greatness of Michael Jordan, who consistently shredded through physical defenses during his prime. With his unparalleled competitive spirit, Jordan’s impact would transcend rules or eras, firmly cementing him as one of the greatest players in NBA history. As the debate continues, basketball enthusiasts can only imagine the spectacle of a showdown between these two iconic “Big 3” squads.
Source : Sports Illustrated
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